Step-by-Step on How to Install Exterior Doors

Rehanging an exterior door may be necessary when it is rotting or old in style or security.

The exterior doors to your home provide security as well as design elements to the home. When moving into a new home, or after living in your home for several years, a new door may be required to reduce the chance of break-ins or improve the appearance of the home. A new door will also improve the resale value of the home by accenting curb appeal. Replacing a door is a job for an experienced home repair person.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• Cloth
• Jigsaw
• Nail gun
• Door
• Tape measure
• Level
• Foil tape
• Silicon sealant
• Galvanized roofing nail

Instructions

1. Strip the trim from around the door to expose the door frame using a pry bar to gently release the nails. Place a cloth on the door frame to prevent damaging the wood.

2. Unscrew the door hinges from the frame with a drill and lift out the door. This makes the frame lighter for easier removal.

3. Remove the interior trim from the door frame that is inside the home using the pry bar.

4. Cut the nails that hold the door frame in place by running a saw along the gap of the frame and the house. Remove the frame as one piece once the nails are severed.

5. Measure the opening and check that it matches the size of the new door. Add plywood if necessary to make the opening the right size.

6. Place foil tape along the opening to seal it tight against leaks.

7. Add the sill support included with the door and drill it into the house framework at the threshold. Check that the bottom opening is level and add a layer of silicone caulking on the sill support.

8. Lift the door into the opening, setting the bottom in place first and tipping the top into position. Try not to smear the silicon sealant.

9. Check that the door is level then secure the door using roofing nails, pounded into the flange into the rough opening. Add foil tape over the flange to make it water tight.

10. Reinstall the trim and the hardware on the door. Test to make sure it opens and closes properly.

References

• Ron Hazleton's House Calls: How to Install a New Front Door System
• RONA: Installing an Exterior Door
• This Old House: How to Replace a Prehung Exterior Door